This exasperating and arduous drama is the second English feature film from Austrian Jessica Hanser (Lourdes) – who co-wrote it with her regular screenwriting partner Geraldine Bajard.
The film is a social satire about eating disorders, cults, faith, fixations, delusions, over-consumption and carbon footprints.
Miss Novak, played by Mia Wasikowska (Tracks, Bergman Island) joins the teaching staff at an elite British boarding school to teach students “conscious eating”, which she says increases mental and physical functions.
Seven teenage students, with various motivations including the desire to improve fitness, save the planet, lose weight or challenge consumerism, join the class.
They lack parental guidance, and Miss Novak influences their lives. Her method is to gradually reduce the intake of food by taking smaller and smaller portions, and chewing each for a long time – until the desire to eat does not exist.
Initially the students get high from abstinence but eventually they begin to be convinced that eating is not necessary to survive. At this point they can join the exclusive Club Zero.
The percussive score by Markus Binder is full of warning notes.
The design by Beck Rainford and the cinematography by Martin Gschlacht are both excellent.
The film has been selected to compete for the Palme d’Or at the 76th Cannes film Festival.
110 minutes.
Showing at Luna Leederville
Watch the trailer…
